Cruz Azul’s million-dollar rout of Necaxa

Cruz Azul wrapped up the Clausura 2026 regular season with a double reward. The Mexico City club defeated Necaxa 4-1 in its return to Estadio Ciudad de México and also secured recognition as the best team across the 2025-26 Mexican soccer season.

The result capped a strong run in which Cruz Azul finished third in the Clausura standings with 33 points, setting up a Liguilla matchup against Atlas.

Cruz Azul take cumulative table crown

Beyond the single tournament, Cruz Azul’s consistency across both the Apertura 2025 and Clausura 2026 proved decisive. The team finished atop the overall annual standings, known as the aggregate table, with 68 points.

That total put the club, now coached by interim Joel Huiqui, just ahead of Toluca, which ended with 67 points after its win over León. Guadalajara also remained in contention until the final round but was eliminated from the race after drawing against Tijuana.

Million-dollar incentive secured

By finishing first in the season-long standings, Cruz Azul earned a $1 million prize. The final matchday carried added pressure, as the club needed a win to avoid depending on other results, and it delivered in decisive fashion.

The victory strengthened Cruz Azul’s reputation as one of the most consistent and competitive squads in Mexican soccer this season.

Pressure delivered on the field

Matchday 17 carried significant tension, with multiple clubs still in contention for the annual honor. Cruz Azul responded by controlling its own fate, producing a convincing performance to secure the result it needed.

The win not only locked in its place atop the aggregate table but also reinforced its status heading into the postseason.

Repeat winners of FMF award

This is not the first time Cruz Azul has earned the Mexican Football Federation incentive. The club also claimed the award in the 2024-25 season, underscoring a level of consistency that has carried across multiple campaigns.

The FMF bonus is designed to reward sustained performance over the full soccer year rather than success in a single tournament.

How Cruz Azul will use the bonus

According to TUDN reporter Adrián Esparza Oteo, the prize money in this edition will be distributed among the players. Club president Víctor Velázquez reportedly made the decision to reward the squad collectively, recognizing the team-wide effort behind the achievement.

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